1970s: DRAMATIC INCREASE IN NEED AND COLLABORATION TO PROVIDE HOUSING
In 1974,
Social Service Child Welfare Association of Boulder officially changed its name to Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) to better reflect its work in the community, especially after the County Department of Public Welfare changed its name to the Department of Social Services. As manufacturing jobs began to dry up in the Midwest, many families move to Boulder County looking for work, yet jobs were hard to find.
In 1977,
driven by inflation, unemployment and rising housing costs, EFAA saw a 400% increase in need locally. With limited resources and high demand, EFAA had to focus its services on the communities most vulnerable. Priority was given to children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Churches, law enforcement and the health department were strong referral sources to EFAA. EFAA services were available 24/7, with police and sheriff to help after hours (they would call the director at home to open EFAA’s doors if needed).
School teachers and school nurses stepped in and coordinated with EFAA when children needed care and food.
In April 1979,
the City of Boulder asked EFAA to take over management of ECHO House (Emergency Housing Coalition Organization) on The Hill in Boulder, to provide shelter for homeless families in the 6-unit facility. EFAA has managed ECHO House ever since.
